Barbara M. Deschenes

WEST BOYLSTON - Barbara M. (Tarckini) Deschenes, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester.

Born in Hartford, CT, and raised in Millbury, Barbara was the daughter of Emil C. and Doris V. (Lebel) Tarckini. She made West Boylston her home for the past 60 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Albert G. Deschenes, who passed in 2002.

Barbara leaves behind a loving family, including her sons, Joseph F. Cristo, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Worcester; John J. Cristo and his wife, Sharon, of Millbury; and William J. Deschenes and his wife, Joanne, of Worcester; her daughter, Cynthia A. Chase and her husband, Joseph, of Millbury; and her stepdaughters, Joyce Simonis of Boylston and Darlene Johnson of Holliston. She was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren, Mark Chase (Sheila), Lisa Decoteau (Thomas), Brian Chase (Kristin) John Cristo, Alexis Marcus (John), Matthew Deschenes (Margaret), and Megan Marszalek (Robert); and nine great-grandchildren, Andrew Decoteau, Lauren Decoteau, Logan Decoteau, Luke Marszalek, Lily Marszalek, Taylor Chase, Wesley Marcus, Mackenzie Chase, and Charles Deschenes. She also leaves behind a niece and several nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Emil C. Tarckini, and her grandson, A.J. Cristo.

A proud graduate of Millbury High School, Class of 1951, Barbara dedicated many years to public service. She served as the Town Clerk of West Boylston from 1985 to 2002, following her role as Assistant Town Clerk from 1982 to 1985. She was also a former staff member of The Banner, where she wrote a popular household hints column and contributed to The Looking Back series.

Deeply engaged in her community, Barbara was a member of the West Boylston Historical Society, the West Boylston Insurance Advisory Committee, and an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She was also active in the Massachusetts Retirees Association, the County and Municipal Employees Association, and several Town Clerk Associations at the county, state, and regional levels. A dedicated volunteer, she gave her time to WBPA-TV, West Boylston's public access station.

Barbara was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in West Boylston, where she previously served as president of its Women's Club. She found joy in quilting, often creating beautiful quilts for her family. She also loved baking, cooking, and crafting.

Known for her independence and strong spirit, Barbara was admired by her peers and served as a role model for her children and grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Barbara's life during visiting hours on Sunday, February 23rd from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester St., Sterling. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 24th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Rd., West Boylston. Interment will be held privately for her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Boylston Fire and Ambulance Fund, 39 Worcester St., West Boylston, MA 01583